Location: Pittsburgh, PA•In-State Tuition: $21,524•Out-of-State Tuition: $39,890•Admission Rate: 50%•Avg SAT: 1371
Median Earnings (1yr)
$69,339
95th percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$22,000
11% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.32 ManageableSample: 57 graduates

Analysis

Pitt's Management Sciences certificate delivers exactly what you'd expect from a flagship state university: strong earnings that beat the national average, paired with reasonable debt. At $69,339 in first-year earnings against $22,000 in debt, graduates see a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32—meaning they owe roughly four months of salary, a manageable burden that most financial aid advisors consider healthy.

Here's where it gets interesting: while this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania programs. That's not a red flag—it actually reflects Pennsylvania's unusually strong landscape for quantitative management programs. You're comparing against other top-tier institutions, and this program still holds its own at the state median. The real value shows in the debt picture: at the 17th percentile nationally, students here borrow significantly less than peers at comparable programs while achieving similar outcomes.

For a certificate program at a school with Pitt's academic profile (average SAT 1371), these numbers make sense. Your child gets the credential and analytical training without taking on the debt load typical of four-year degrees. The earnings justify the investment from day one, and the modest debt means flexibility in early-career decisions rather than being forced into the highest-paying option just to service loans.

Where University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods certificate's programs nationally

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusOther management sciences and quantitative methods programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus earns $69k — 95th percentile among management sciences and quantitative methods certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh$21,524$69,339—$22,0000.32
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe$12,051$68,079—$19,8540.29
Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale—$68,079—$19,8540.29
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$62,951$77,704$23,7250.38
National Median—$68,079—$19,8540.29

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, approximately 14% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 57 graduates with reported earnings and 62 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.